2010 Dubai Pet Show fun for all

Pedigree and Whiskas hold annual show to celebrate pets, educate owners,
and provide entertainment for the family

Dubai, UAE, December 13th, 2009 —Pedigree and Whiskas announced today that the region’s increasingly-popular, annual event for families and pets will return to Dubai Festival City. Save the date for Friday, January 29 from 8am to 6pm, so you and your family can attend an exciting day for everyone. Whether with or without a pet, come and see claws, paws, teeth and tails of sorts gather for the 22nd consecutive year in Dubai, not only to compete for numerous show awards, but to educate future and current owners and onlookers about responsible pet ownership—namely diet, lifestyle and safety issues—while experiencing an eventful day out.

This year’s non-profit event will host a Kids Entertainment Zone with face painting, bouncy castles, and games. The event will also have dedicated area to refuel with lunch, beverages and snacks. Animal lovers can expect a dedicated veterinary tent for quick dog check-ups, and dog and cat educational forums to ensure you’re providing the best possible care. While children enter for free, visitors are asked to support event partners and local charities, K9 Friends, by providing the nominal AED 10 donation fee to assist our animal friends in need.

“It’s not surprising that pet ownership in the UAE is increasing by 10 percent annually,” commented Brian Ayling General Manager of Developing Categories at Mars GCC on the increasing success of the Dubai Pet Show year-on-year. He continued, “Last year, the Show donated 71,000 AED to K9 and Feline friends through entrance fees, competitions and on-site activities, and included over 600 dogs from various breeds, sizes and colours—an increase of 50% from the previous year...as pets and the Dubai Pet Show become more popular in the Emirates, it’s imperative we inform future and current owners about what responsible pet ownership entails."

Only pets older than six months can enter the Show; for the safety of all pets in attendance, owners are asked to fully vaccinate their pets before entering. As part of the Pedigree and Whiskas commitment to encouraging responsible pet ownership, complimentary ‘poop-and-scoop’ bags will be available upon request, with plenty of water and shade available for all.

“In creating a positive, pet-oriented day for Dubai families and animal lovers, we’re advocating the continued devoted and loving care demonstrated through responsible pet ownership, deserved by all creatures, tall and small. Whether you’re coming with your family to meet and mingle, show-off or merely learn, be sure to mark January 29 on your—and your pet’s calendar,” remarked Brian.

Plan a fun family day out, or compete with your pet by registering your and your dog’s details online to participate in this year’s Pet Show activities, at www.dubaipetshow.com/registration. For more information regarding the event, please visit www.dubaipetshow.com.

About Mars GCC:

Mars Incorporated is a family owned company that produces some of the world’s leading snack, pet care and food products. Founded in 1911, the company operates in over 66 countries and has over 65,000 associates worldwide with global net sales at approximately US$ 28 billion annually. The company offers some of the world’s most trusted and recognizable brands such as M&M'S, TWIX, MARS, and SNICKERS in snack, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, CESAR and SHEBA in pet care, UNCLE BEN'S, Dolmio and Abu Souif Rice in food, and Wrigley Spearmint, Extra and Doublemint in gum products.

Mars GCC is the Mars Incorporated unit responsible for the sales and marketing of Mars Inc.'s brands across all the GCC countries with sales to North Africa and the Levant. Established in Dubai in 1993, the local factory manufactures a complete range of GALAXY chocolate for the region in a state-of-the-art chocolate moulding plant.

Driven by five principles Freedom, Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality and Efficiency, Mars is strongly committed to the community in which it operates, creating partnerships with local authorities and organisations, its employees, suppliers, and customers.

For more information, visit www.mars.com.

About K9 Friends

K9 Friends is a Dubai based non-profit dog rescue organization dedicated to the salvation of canines in need – either those who have been abandoned, wounded, or whose owners could not keep them anymore. K9 friends provide veterinary treatments, temporary housing and care until these lovely canines are able to find new loving homes.

For more information, contact:
Taghreed Oraibi
+971 4 425 8800
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